Accounts Payable Manager

Accounts Payable Manager / Haydock / Permanent role

Hybrid working: 4 days office-based, 1 day from home

This role takes ownership of the Accounts Payable function within a fast-moving, multi-location service business. You will oversee the smooth running of the purchase ledger, ensuring all supplier transactions are processed accurately, controls are maintained, and payments are made correctly and on time.

You will lead the AP team of 5 on a day-to-day basis, organising workloads, setting standards, and supporting development, while remaining hands-on in key areas. The position covers the full supplier lifecycle, from onboarding and invoice processing through to reconciliations, payment runs and audit support. Alongside maintaining strong controls, you will play a central part in improving processes, supporting new systems and ensuring newly acquired businesses are brought into aligned ways of working.

This is a practical leadership position for someone who enjoys creating order, maintaining consistency and quietly strengthening financial processes behind the scenes.

Role:

• Oversee the daily operation of the Accounts Payable function
• Allocate and manage team workloads to maintain consistent performance
• Ensure robust controls across invoice processing, approvals, PO matching and supplier setup
• Run weekly and monthly payment cycles with a focus on accuracy and cashflow control
• Act as a senior escalation point for supplier issues and queries
• Review aged creditors, control accounts, GRNI and supplier reconciliations
• Support the testing, rollout and adoption of AP systems and workflow tools
• Assist with onboarding new acquisitions into standard AP processes
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and improve efficiency
• Encourage accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement
• Share knowledge and best practice across the finance team
• Provide support for audits and external partners as required

Key Experience and skills:

• AAT qualified or actively studying
• Strong working knowledge of the full Accounts Payable lifecycle
• Proven experience leading an AP or transactional finance team
• Background in high-volume invoice environments
• Confident using ERP/accounting systems and Excel
• Experience with purchase order controls, GRNI, approvals and reconciliations
• Exposure to invoice workflow systems, automation tools or PO system improvements
• Comfortable dealing with suppliers, resolving queries and maintaining professional relationships
• Experience supporting process alignment following acquisitions or business changes
• Highly organised, detail-focused and able to manage competing deadlines
• Clear and confident communicator across finance, operations and senior stakeholders
• Skilled in reconciliations, supplier statements and audit preparation
• Process-led mindset with an interest in streamlining workflows
• Working knowledge of cashflow timing and payment cycles
• Comfortable supporting system changes and ensuring smooth user adoption
• Brings a practical, positive approach to change and improvement
• Leads with integrity, fairness and accountability
• Confident people manager with experience coaching and developing team members

If you would like to join a company that focuses on wellbeing, diversity and supporting the local community, this could be the place for you.